24 Hours For Improving Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the ethonal fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. marble fireplaces (git.elder-geek.net) work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.